Dr. Bob Nelson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership. Prior to serving
in Higher Education, Dr. Nelson served from 2017 to 2024 as the Superintendent for Fresno Unified, California's 3rd
largest school district, and held a wide range of educational positions, including
Teacher, Resource Teacher, Technology Specialist, Vice-Principal, Principal, Human
Resources/Labor Relations Administrator and District Chief of Staff. In addition to
serving in Fresno Unified, he served as superintendent of the Chawanakee Unified School
District from 2012-2015. Dr. Nelson is a graduate of the University of Southern California, received his Masters’ in
Educational Administration and Supervision from Fresno State, and his Ed.D in Organizational
Change and Leadership from USC. He is also the father of 7, is a local advocate for
foster/adoption, and a major proponent of sustainable educational leadership. Dr.
Nelson also hosts the #MilitantPositivity Podcast celebrating all things great about education in Fresno.
